GEORGE TOWN: Continuous rainfall not only caused flash floods in several parts of Penang but also at the arrival hall of the Penang International Airport (PIA).

The arrival hall was flooded at about 9am on Saturday (Sept 24) after water started flowing in from the taxi lanes outside.

The main entrance at the lower level of PIA was also flooded with ankle-deep water.

Three arriving flights between 8am and 8.50am - from Subang, Langkawi and Kuala Namu in North Sumatra - had to be diverted.

A video of the incident went viral with netizens expressing their disappointment over the latest situation at the airport.

In the video, airport staff can be seen clearing up the mess caused by the flash floods. 

AirAsia government relations manager (northern region) Kenneth Tan, however, said no flights were delayed due to the incident.

Tan said he hoped the matter could be improved by the relevant authorities as the incident is not the first time happening at the airport.

He said it was important to fix the situation as PIA is the main gate to Penang and it reflects the state image in the tourism industry.

The two hours of heavy rain affected several parts of Penang island in the early hours of Saturday.

Among the affected areas were Sungai Ara, Bayan Lepas and Teluk Kumbar areas, which are known to experience flooding during downpours.

The downpour caused floods in several villages in Bayan Lepas as well as Kampung Masjid, Kampung Manggis, Kampung Perlis, Kampung Binjai and Kampung Seronok. 

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2022/09/24/penang-international-airport-not-spared-from-floods